Methods, systems and devices for generating an authentication key are provided. Two or more communications devices can generate an authentication key by monitoring a physical stimulus that is experienced by both devices (e.g., a common physical stimulus). Each device can then use an identical, predetermined algorithm to generate a common authentication key based on the stimulus. The devices can use the common authentication key to establish a secure network.
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1. A method for establishing a secure communication channel between a first computing device and a second computing device, the method comprising: at the first computing device: displaying, within a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display of the first computing device, at least one requirement for establishing the secure communication channel with the second computing device; detecting an electromagnetic stimulus from the second computing device, wherein the electromagnetic stimulus corresponds to an authentication key provided by a first application executing on the second computing device; displaying, within the GUI, an indication of the at least one requirement being fulfilled; and in response to the at least one requirement being fulfilled: processing the electromagnetic stimulus to derive the authentication key, establishing the secure communication channel with the second computing device using the authentication key, receiving application data from the second computing device over the secure communication channel, and providing the application data to a second application on the first computing device.
A method for establishing a secure communication channel between two computing devices. The first device displays requirements (e.g., proximity) for a secure connection in its GUI. It detects an electromagnetic signal from the second device, this signal representing an authentication key generated by an application on the second device. Once the requirements are met, the first device indicates this in the GUI. Then, it processes the electromagnetic signal to obtain the authentication key, establishes a secure channel with the second device using that key, receives application data through this channel, and provides that data to another application on the first device.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the indication includes a graphical progress indicator.
The method for establishing a secure communication channel between two computing devices, where the first device displays requirements for a secure connection and detects an electromagnetic signal representing an authentication key from the second device (as described above), uses a graphical progress bar within the GUI to show how close the requirements are to being fulfilled.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: closing the secure communication channel; and utilizing the authentication key to establish a subsequent secure communication channel with the second computing device.
The method for establishing a secure communication channel between two computing devices, where the first device displays requirements for a secure connection and detects an electromagnetic signal representing an authentication key from the second device (as described above), includes closing the secure communication channel after use. The method then reuses the previously derived authentication key to establish a new secure channel with the second device at a later time.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic stimulus is an invisible stimulus that is transmitted from the first computing device according to a wireless communications protocol.
The method for establishing a secure communication channel between two computing devices, where the first device displays requirements for a secure connection and detects an electromagnetic signal representing an authentication key from the second device (as described above), uses an electromagnetic signal that's invisible and transmitted wirelessly from the second device, adhering to a wireless communication protocol like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: prior to receiving the application data from the second computing device, receiving a user input acknowledging the at least one requirement.
The method for establishing a secure communication channel between two computing devices, where the first device displays requirements for a secure connection and detects an electromagnetic signal representing an authentication key from the second device (as described above), requires user confirmation or acknowledgement that the connection requirements displayed on the screen are met, before the first device receives any application data sent over the secure communication channel.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first application on the second computing device generates the authentication key, and the electromagnetic stimulus is based at least in part on the authentication key.
The method for establishing a secure communication channel between two computing devices, where the first device displays requirements for a secure connection and detects an electromagnetic signal representing an authentication key from the second device (as described above), includes an application on the second device that generates the authentication key. The electromagnetic signal transmitted by the second device is directly or indirectly based on this generated authentication key.
7. A first computing device, comprising: wireless circuitry configured to detect an electromagnetic stimulus; a display; a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the first computing device to carry out steps that include: displaying, within a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display, at least one requirement for establishing a secure communication channel with the second computing device; detecting the electromagnetic stimulus from a second computing device, wherein the electromagnetic stimulus corresponds to an authentication key provided by a first application executing on the second computing device; displaying, within the GUI, an indication of the at least one requirement being fulfilled; and in response to the at least one requirement being fulfilled: processing the electromagnetic stimulus to derive the authentication key, establishing the secure communication channel with the second computing device using the authentication key, receiving application data from the second computing device over the secure communication channel, and providing the application data to a second application on the first computing device.
A computing device capable of establishing a secure channel with another device. It includes wireless circuitry to detect electromagnetic signals, a display, a processor, and memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the device to display connection requirements in a GUI, detect an electromagnetic signal from the second device (representing an authentication key from an application on that second device), indicate in the GUI when requirements are met, process the signal to derive the authentication key, establish a secure channel, receive application data through the secure channel, and provide the data to another application on the device.
8. The first computing device of claim 7 , wherein the indication includes a graphical progress indicator.
The computing device capable of establishing a secure channel with another device, including wireless circuitry, a display, a processor, and memory with instructions (as described above), uses a graphical progress bar within the GUI to show how close the connection requirements are to being fulfilled.
9. The first computing device of claim 7 , wherein the steps further include: closing the secure communication channel; and utilizing the authentication key to establish a subsequent secure communication channel with the second computing device.
The computing device capable of establishing a secure channel with another device, including wireless circuitry, a display, a processor, and memory with instructions (as described above), also closes the secure communication channel after use and reuses the authentication key to establish a subsequent secure channel with the other device.
10. The first computing device of claim 7 , wherein the electromagnetic stimulus is transmitted from the first computing device according to a wireless communications protocol.
The computing device capable of establishing a secure channel with another device, including wireless circuitry, a display, a processor, and memory with instructions (as described above), detects an electromagnetic signal that is transmitted wirelessly from the second device, adhering to a wireless communication protocol.
11. The first computing device of claim 7 , wherein the steps further include: prior to receiving the application data from the second computing device, receiving a user input acknowledging the at least one requirement.
The computing device capable of establishing a secure channel with another device, including wireless circuitry, a display, a processor, and memory with instructions (as described above), requires a user input acknowledging that the connection requirements are met before receiving application data via the secure channel.
12. The first computing device of claim 11 , wherein the user input is a touch input at the display.
The computing device capable of establishing a secure channel with another device, including wireless circuitry, a display, a processor, and memory with instructions (as described above), requires a user acknowledgement where the user input is a touch input on the device's display screen.
13. The first computing device of claim 7 , wherein the first application on the second computing device generates the authentication key, and the electromagnetic stimulus is based at least in part on the authentication key.
The computing device capable of establishing a secure channel with another device, including wireless circuitry, a display, a processor, and memory with instructions (as described above), where the application on the second device generates the authentication key, and the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the second device is based on this generated key.
14. A machine-readable non-transitory storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor included in a first computing device, cause the first computing device to carry out steps that include: displaying, within a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display of the first computing device, at least one requirement for establishing a secure communication channel with the second computing device; detecting an electromagnetic stimulus from a second computing device, wherein the electromagnetic stimulus corresponds to an authentication key provided by a first application executing on the second computing device; displaying, within the GUI, an indication of the at least one requirement being fulfilled; and in response to the at least one requirement being fulfilled: processing the electromagnetic stimulus to derive the authentication key, establishing the secure communication channel with the second computing device using the authentication key, receiving application data from the second computing device over the secure communication channel, and providing the application data to a second application on the first computing device.
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a flash drive) storing instructions for establishing a secure channel between two computing devices. When executed by a processor in the first device, these instructions cause the device to display connection requirements in a GUI, detect an electromagnetic signal from the second device (representing an authentication key from an application on that device), indicate in the GUI when requirements are met, process the electromagnetic signal to derive the key, establish a secure channel, receive application data through the channel, and provide the data to another application.
15. The machine-readable non-transitory storage medium of claim 14 , wherein the indication includes a graphical progress indicator.
A system and method for displaying progress information in a computing environment involves generating and presenting a visual representation of task completion. The system monitors the execution of a process or task and determines its progress, such as the percentage of completion or remaining time. This progress information is then converted into a graphical progress indicator, such as a progress bar, pie chart, or other visual element, to provide users with an intuitive and real-time understanding of the task's status. The graphical indicator may include additional details, such as estimated time remaining, current step, or error notifications, to enhance user awareness. The system dynamically updates the indicator as the task progresses, ensuring users receive continuous feedback. This approach improves user experience by reducing uncertainty and allowing users to make informed decisions about task management. The solution is applicable in various computing environments, including software applications, operating systems, and cloud-based services, where task progress tracking is essential for efficient workflow management.
16. The machine-readable non-transitory storage medium of claim 14 , wherein the steps further include: closing the secure communication channel; and utilizing the authentication key to establish a subsequent secure communication channel with the second computing device.
The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that contains instructions for establishing a secure channel (as described above), closes the secure communication channel after the transfer is complete and reuses the derived authentication key for establishing a subsequent secure connection.
17. The machine-readable non-transitory storage medium of claim 14 , wherein the electromagnetic stimulus is transmitted from the first computing device according to a wireless communication protocol.
The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that contains instructions for establishing a secure channel (as described above), involves an electromagnetic signal that's transmitted wirelessly according to a wireless communication protocol.
18. The machine-readable non-transitory storage medium of claim 14 , wherein the steps further include: prior to receiving the application data from the second computing device, receiving a user input acknowledging the at least one requirement.
The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that contains instructions for establishing a secure channel (as described above), requires a user to input acknowledgement confirming requirements displayed in GUI are met before any application data is received from the secure channel.
19. The machine-readable non-transitory storage medium of claim 18 , further comprising: wherein the user input is a touch input at the display.
The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that contains instructions for establishing a secure channel where user confirmation is required before data is received (as described above), where the user input is a touch input received on the device's display.
20. The machine-readable non-transitory storage medium of claim 14 , wherein the first application on the second computing device generates the authentication key, and the electromagnetic stimulus is based at least in part on the authentication key.
The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that contains instructions for establishing a secure channel (as described above), where the application on the second device generates the authentication key, and the electromagnetic signal transmitted from the second device is based at least partially on that generated authentication key.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
August 28, 2014
May 23, 2017
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